2026 Michigan State Football Positional Preview: Wide receivers
Michigan State's wide receiver room enters 2026 with plenty of questions, but also an opportunity for a new group of playmakers to emerge.
Among the many changes within the Michigan State football program since the end of the 2025 season, the wide receiver room sits near the top in terms of unknowns heading into the 2026 campaign.
The Spartans lost their top-three pass catchers in terms of receiving yards from last season in wide receiver Nick Marsh (transfer to Indiana), wide receiver Omari Kelly (graduation/NFL) and tight end Jack Velling (graduation/NFL). That leaves the door wide open for a new group of receivers to make some noise under a new regime.
Having a less experienced group with lowered expectations could actually work in Michigan State's favor. This crop of receivers will get a fresh start with a quarterback who enters the season with similar expectations, allowing more of an organic connection to develop than what Alessio Milivojevic was able to establish when he took over last season. And while the current group may not have a lot of combined previous production, there is certainly plenty of talent and bodies to work with in 2026.
Chrishon McCray. Credit: Marvin Hall/Spartans Illustrated
The optimism surrounding this room largely starts with its quarterback.
Milivojevic, the projected starter, showed an ability to stand in the pocket, take hits and distribute the ball across the entire field during his four starts last season. In each of those four games, the Spartans had a different leader in receiving yards, a sign that Milivojevic was willing to spread the ball around rather than lock in on one target.
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald has also expressed confidence in the group as a whole, particularly because there isn't a true bell cow receiver like Marsh on the roster. When Marsh transferred after the 2025 season, Michigan State lost its biggest, fastest and most dynamic receiver in one swoop. While his production never quite matched the image of the player he was, his presence alone opened opportunities for the rest of the room.
"I really like our receiver group as a corps ... I think that'll be how we're gonna attack it to start the year," Fitzgerald said recently. "You're gonna see a lot of guys play."
New offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan's approach has typically been built around getting his playmakers involved, so exactly how much and in what ways this group will be utilized remains somewhat of an unknown. What isn't an unknown is that the receivers at the top of the depth chart will have to find ways to create separation, while Sheridan will have to find creative ways to put them in positions to make plays.
Wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins has now been through three different coaching regimes in East Lansing — a testament to the trust he's built within the program as an alumnus and coach and the reputation he's developed for getting the most out of his players. This year, though, will be a different kind of test. Without a player in the mold of Jayden Reed or Nick Marsh to lean on, can Hawkins once again maximize the talent in his room and help give this offense the playmakers it needs?
While MSU will likely use multiple players at the wide receiver position throughout the 2026 season, here is a projection of the roles each player in the room is likely to play this year.
Likely Key Contributors:
Chrishon McCray (redshirt senior)
McCray enters his redshirt senior season with the most production of any receiver on the roster, and it's not particularly close.
During his first two seasons at Kent State, McCray was a weapon both on offense and as a returner on special teams. While he had high production in the MAC, that versatility didn't fully translate to the Big Ten in his first season at Michigan State, though last year's offense also struggled to find much of an identity.
McCray recorded just 24 receptions for 330 yards and three touchdowns in 2025, although the Spartans' offensive woes were certainly not all on McCray.
His best play came late in the season. Fifteen of his 24 receptions came over the final four games, all with Milivojevic as the starter after he replaced Aidan Chiles at quarterback. That stretch included a 75-yard, two-touchdown performance against Iowa in Iowa City, which came against one of the better defenses the Spartans faced all season.
McCray is more of a speedster at receiver, and he may now be asked to do considerably more than what was originally expected of him. That increased opportunity may have been part of the reason he ultimately withdrew from the transfer portal and chose to return to East Lansing. He can line up on the outside or in the slot and make plays all over the field. He still can bring special teams value if needed as well.
However, questions remain. Can the 5-foot-10, 180-pound McCray shoulder the load of being the team's likely No. 1 option at wideout all season long? Can he increase his production significantly? Time will tell.
Fredrick Moore (redshirt junior)
Moore didn't have to travel far to find his new home.
The redshirt junior spent his first three seasons in Ann Arbor and is hungry for an opportunity after playing just 18 offensive snaps last season for the Wolverines in four games to preserve his redshirt.
At Michigan, Moore appeared in 30 games with three starts, while contributing on special teams as well as on offense. His most productive season came in 2024, when he caught 11 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. He added four receptions for 32 yards in 2023, with his most notable play coming on a touchdown reception in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama.
It's tough to immediately slot Moore in as a starter given how little we know about this receiver group as a whole, but we do know he has talent. Even if he is not a starter, he will very likely be part of the rotation.
Moore is known for his route-running ability and is a solid athlete for his build at 6-foot-1 and 187 pounds. Sheridan should be able to use him both outside and in the slot, and that versatility should give him a leg up as the coaching staff sorts out the pecking order. But with only 15 career receptions, Moore and the Spartans will be looking for a major step forward in 2026.
KK Smith (redshirt junior)
Another transfer addition with experience playing at the highest level, Kaleb "KK" Smith comes to East Lansing from Notre Dame with two years of eligibility remaining.
Smith spent three seasons at Notre Dame and appeared in 10 games for the Fighting Irish last season, recording eight receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns.
The redshirt junior from Frisco, Texas, was buried on the depth chart behind younger players in South Bend, but he showed glimpses of his ability in spurts last season. He also dealt with some injuries during his time with the Irish.
His speed stands out, and in some ways he brings a similar skill set to McCray. He has the ability to create separation with his speed and could provide Michigan State with another legitimate deep threat. Smith, like Moore, will fight for a starting spot, but should be involved in the rotation at a minimum.
Rodney Bullard Jr. (senior)
With training camp already underway and the 2026 season opener versus Toledo around the corner (Friday, Sept. 4), Bullard continues to wait on an eligibility ruling from the NCAA that would determine whether he can play this season.
Bullard is able to practice in the meantime.
If he is ultimately cleared, Bullard projects as an obvious contributor and likely starter based on his short but productive stretch at the end of 2025.
Rodney Bullard. Credit: Marvin Hall/Spartans Illustrated
An Albany, Georgia, native, Bullard played 131 offensive snaps last fall, catching just five passes for 119 yards. The bulk of that production came in Michigan State's road loss to Minnesota, when he hauled in four passes for 102 yards and a touchdown.
His only other production came against Youngstown State, when he caught one pass for 17 yards.
However, Bullard is a veteran who recorded a combined 91 career receptions for 1,686 yards and 20 touchdowns with Valdosta State in 2023 and 2024. Despite waiting on an eligibility ruling, Bullard has been working hard and earned praised from his coaches.
At 5-foot-11, 188 pounds, Bullard is another receiver without great size, but he uses his skill set to become a dynamic downfield threat. That was on full display against the Golden Gophers, and if he's eligible, he could give Sheridan another player capable of stretching the field.
Samson Gash (true freshman)
One of Fitzgerald's highest-rated recruits in the 2026 class chose to remain in East Lansing even after the coaching change from Jonathan Smith and now has an opportunity to contribute pretty quickly. It always feels bold to pencil in a true freshman as someone who can play well early, but the argument for Gash, however, is pretty simple: he may already be the one of the most talented players in the room.
The Detroit Catholic Central product set a state record in Michigan in the 100-meter dash as a junior with a blazing 10.41-second effort, and that speed should allow him to pull away from defenders at the next level. He also showed in high school an ability to consistently make acrobatic and contested catches while proving to be a willing blocker.
It's easy to envision Gash making an impact somewhat similar to what Marsh did as a true freshman in 2024, and much of that has to do with the lack of established high-level talent around him. However, that won't be an easy feat.
Samson Gash. Credit: Marvin Hall/Spartans Illustrated
Gash may come in and make it impossible for the coaching staff to keep him off the field, and that's perfectly fine. However, keep in mind that Gash did not sign with the Spartans until February and didn't join the program until the summer. While he is now practicing, Gash also entered fall camp with some sort of injury that appeared to suffer during the track season, and it is unclear if he is fully healthy yet or not. Gash will need to learn the offense before there is any talk about him hitting the field.
With all of that said, Sheridan's offense is designed to get the ball into the hands of its playmakers, and Gash could quickly become one of them. Gash could also make an early impact on special teams.
Charles Taplin (redshirt freshman)
Taplin enters his second season at Michigan State after redshirting in 2025. He played in the final four games of the season to preserve his redshirt and recorded one catch for eight yards in his collegiate debut at Minnesota.
Taplin wasn't highly recruited in the 2024 cycle and had a relatively uninspiring senior season, finishing with 37 catches for 502 yards and three touchdowns. Because of that, it was somewhat surprising to see him working with the first team during Michigan State's spring showcase in April. But Taplin made his presence felt right away.
There's plenty to like about his game based on what we've seen. He is poised to have a breakout campaign in year two, and it would not be shocking to see him start. He will certainly play a lot of snaps in 2026 regardless of it is as a starter or off the bench.
Taplin likely isn't going to be the guy winning a bunch of 50-50 balls in the end zone, but he's a crafty route runner and yet another speedster in this receiver room who can find space at the second level. He also has enough confidence and athleticism to be used on things like end-arounds.
With so many of the receivers possessing similar traits, we'll see if Taplin can find a way to separate himself from the pack and earn a larger role this season. But based on the spring and the early returns from fall camp so far, that seems quite likely.
Potential Contributors:
Jameel Gardner Jr. (redshirt senior), Bryson Williams (redshirt freshman), Braylon Collier (redshirt freshman), Zach Washington (true freshman)
With the lack of an established star at the top of this position group, it's difficult to count anyone out from potentially making an impact this season, especially when injuries so often play a factor. The players listed above will all compete for playing time and could certainly work their way into the regular rotation.
Gardner was a late addition to the roster, committing to the Spartans just hours after the Spring Showcase in April. He spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons at Jackson State, where he recorded 32 catches for 483 yards and two touchdowns last year. He also spent his first two seasons at Kent State, where he played with current teammate Crishon McCray. The Detroit native is a veteran presence who will look to earn a role.
Williams and Collier each played sparingly last season, while preserving their redshirts. Both players look to take a big step forward in 2026 and could prove to be strong assets in the passing game if so.
A versatile player, Williams saw most of his snaps at running back in 2025, but also played at wideout last year and has worked at receiver during the spring and in fall camp so far in 2026. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, he's also the biggest player in the room and could give Sheridan a different type of body to work with at the position. Williams has the potential to be a breakout player this season, but there is plenty of competition in the room.
Collier appeared in just one game last season, against Maryland, and played on special teams. He does, however, come to Michigan State with a decorated high school career as a multi-sport athlete. Now in year two, expect Collier to do all he can to get on the field in 2026. The 6-foot, 187-pound Ohio native has the skill set to make an impact in the passing game, and will likely contribute on special teams as well.
Braylon Collier. Credit: Marvin Hall/Spartans Illustrated
Washington is another true freshman who could earn a look this season if he proves he's ready. At 6-foot-2, 188 pounds, Washington brings some much-needed size and ability to the room. Like many others mentioned, Washington is also known for his speed. He was one of the first five committed recruits Fitzgerald reached out to after taking the job earlier this year. Washington was also high school teammates with Milivojevic in high school at St. Francis in Wheaton, Illinois.
Depth/Special Teams:
Nick Hardy (redshirt freshman), Jake Yanachik (redshirt junior), Collin Charles (true freshman), Rai'Shawn Elmore (true freshman)
As true freshmen, Charles and Elmore aren't as likely to see playing time as Gash or Washington. They will likely use the year to learn the offense and compete in practice, while perhaps looking for opportunities on special teams. Still, there could be situations where they enter the game on offense. Elmore, hailing from North Carolina, is a scholarship player. Meanwhile, Charles, who is a Northville, Michigan native, joined the program in January as a preferred walk-on after a prep year at St. Thomas More (Connecticut).
Hardy and Yanachik will likely see most of their opportunities come on the scout team (although Fitzgerald has mentioned he wants his first team offense and defense going up against the "best of the rest" at practice during camp) and special teams. Both players previously joined the program as walk-ons and it will be an uphill climb for them to see meaningful playing time in 2026. With that in mind, the lack of an established pecking order at receiver could create opportunities for anyone who shows enough during camp.
That may be the biggest theme surrounding this entire position group.
There is no prototypical No. 1 receiver, although that role is McCray's to lose. There is no established 1,000-yard target waiting to take over. There are a lot of players with similar traits and a lot of questions about who will ultimately separate themselves.
For Michigan State, that uncertainty could end up being a problem. Or, with Milivojevic now as the full-time starting quarterback and a new offensive coordinator in Sheridan, along with Hawkins returning as the position coach and Fitzgerald taking over as head coach, it could be exactly what this group needs.
